Lab Compliance Solutions, 2647 Gateway Road Suite 105 No. 460, Carlsbad CA 92009 www.LabComplianceSolutions.

com

Lab Relocation Poster, May 2011

Objective: Understanding and Optimizing
Qualification Using Risk-Based Guidelines
1
Methodology: Components of Data Quality
Major Components of USP <1058> AIQ
Reducing the burden of compliance while also protecting regulatory status
is paramount in todays GxP environment. The key is devising a compliance
program that addresses instruments ranging from sophisticated LC/MS/MS to a
simple pH meter or hotplate while ensuring the process is cost effective and
efficient.
Lab instruments are daunting to manage and qualify since they are generally
manufactured by different vendors, stretch across differing model years, and
may be combined in varied multivendor configurations, such as an LC/MS/MS
with an injector made by company X, an HPLC pump made by company Y, and
a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer from company Z.
One step in reducing the complexity of the qualification process is to harmonize
the process by developing one generic protocol - using USP <1058> AIQ
Analytical Instrument Qualification guidelines on risk-based compliance for all
instruments of the same type, regardless of manufacturer.
A harmonized protocol format simplifies the lab compliance managers tasks,
making it easier to understand, control, document and defend qualification data
as well as manage preventative maintenance (PM) and service.
This presentation will review procedures and recommendations regarding the
level and degree of compliance required for various lab equipment based on
risked-based USP <1058> AIQ Categories A, B, and C and provide an overview
of harmonizing instrument qualification.

Introduction to Groups A, B, and C
Group A: Observe
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Results: Faster, better, simpler, cheaper qualification through
harmonized, uniform AIQ protocols 10 3
2
Simplified 4Q Model
4
6
Conclusion
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USP <1058> AIQ Risk-Based Instrument Qualification Guidelines
GxP Multivendor Lab Instrument Qualification Strategy
Definition of
DQ / IQ / OQ / PQ
Risk Management:
Grouping Instruments into
A / B / C categories
Flexibility in
determining what is
done in OQ and PQ
Major Areas of
USP <1058> AIQ
Analytical Instrument
Qualification
1
3
2
4 5
Component of data quality:
USP <1058> AIQ is the
foundation of data integrity
Simplification of the Process:
Straightforward
Easy to understand
Harmonization
Roles & Responsibilities
Users
QA
Vendors

Design
Qualification

Before Purchase
What must it
do?
Specifications
Dynamic
This is the User
Requirements
Installation
Qualification

At Installation
Environment
Services
Review After
Installation
Performed by
Vendor or User
Operational
Qualification

Before Use
You Approve
You Review
When Done
Performed by
Vendor or User
SOP & Training
Performance
Qualification
Ongoing
Does it
Continue to
work?
Event
Management
(PM)
Performed by
Vendor or User
Ongoing
compliance
Is it designed to
your user
requirements?
Has it been
Installed
correctly?
Does it
work as you
expected?
Will it continue
to work
correctly?
PQ DQ IQ OQ
Roles and Responsibilities
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Users
Ultimately responsible especially
definition of requirements
Attest to scientific validity of AIQ
Consultants, validation specialists, and
QA can assist
Must maintain the qualified state via PQ
QA
Understand and review AIQ process
Vendor / Supplier / Manufacturer
Instrument design and manufacture
Quality manufacturing processes
Notification of all known users about
defects
Offer user training
Invite user audits as necessary
Simple / lowest risk
Standard equipment designed with no measurement capability or
requirement for calibration
Specification: As defined by manufacturer
Conformance with requirements verified and documented by observation
of operation
Examples: Magnetic Stirrers, Vortex Mixers, Sonic Baths, Shakers,
Class A Pipettes, Nitrogen Evaporators
Group B: Calibrate
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Group A: Includes standard equipment with no measurement capability or requirement for
calibration. The manufacturers specification of basic functionality is accepted as the user
requirement.
Group B: Includes standard equipment and instruments providing measured values as well as
equipment controlling physical parameters (such as temperature, pressure, or flow) that need
calibration. The user requirements are typically the same as the manufacturers specification of
functionality and operational limits.
Many of these instruments also have own USP general chapters, for example:
<21> Thermometers, <31> Volumetric apparatus, <41> Weights and
balances
Examples: Balances, pH Meters, Thermometers, Variable Pipettes, Flow
Meters, Pressure Meters, Water Baths, Timers, Centrifuges

Group C: Qualify
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Group C: Includes instruments and computerized analytical systems where user requirements for
functionality, operational, and performance limits are specific for the analytical application.
Complex / highest risk
Full qualification process required for complex instruments and
computerized systems
Specific function and performance tests
Complicated undertaking and may require assistance of specialists
Examples:
Dissolution, HPLC, GC, LCMS, Spectrometers
Liquid Handling Systems, Robotics, Plate Readers
FTIR, Particle Size Analyzers, Sequencers
Gain the advantage of faster,
better, simple, cheaper
qualification by using uniform
and consistent protocols for
all similar instruments - no
matter the manufacturer.

Examples: HPLC, GC, LCMS,
UV/Vis, Autoclave, Incubator, Ovens,
Freezers, Refrigerators, FTIR,
Dissolution

One Straightforward Qualification Protocol

Improving compliance and productivity within a laboratory
environment can be achieved by employing uniform protocols for
similar types of instruments from different manufacturers.
Example: A single qualification protocol can be devised for
qualification of standard HPLC systems from Agilent, Waters,
Shimadzu, PerkinElmer, and other vendors.
Employing a uniform protocol from instrument-to-instrument:
Simplifies testing by creating standard tests and procedures
Consistent test procedures enable faster testing and quicker
turnaround
Uniform paperwork enables faster reviews and approvals as
well as audits
Qualification is performed to document that
instruments are suitable for their intended use
and that they do what you expect them to do.
Quality Control:
QC Samples
Control Charts
Control results
Instrument Suitability:
Point of Use test
Resolution Etc.
Right Instrument
for The Work:
Suitable for use
Capable of work
Validated range of use
Right Method:
Parameters
Selectivity
Sensitivity
Suitability
Qualification reduces risk Business and Compliance
Risks. Both can dramatically affect customers
businesses.
Business risk is the FAILURE of the instrument
to perform as intended.
Compliance risk concerns employing improper
standards and procedures during instrument
qualification.
USP <1058> AIQ simplifies lab instrument
compliance by categorizing instruments
on a risk-based guideline, low risk to
high risk.
Reduce costs and improve efficiency by maximizing the use of vendor
documents and employing Protocol Harmonization.